Pierro 2YO on Track for Karaka Million
Progressive juvenile Lord Cosmos (2g Pierro x Cosmic Powers, by Not a Single Doubt) added his name to the list of contenders for next month’s Doubletree By Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) with a fast finishing victory at New Plymouth on Wednesday.
Race rival Alabama Gold looked to have the race won when opening up several lengths on the field when turning for home, but Lord Cosmos showed a blistering turn of foot in the closing stages to zoom home and win by a head.
“He was a long way off them and that was a really good win,” said trainer Jamie Richards, registering his fourth juvenile success for the season for Te Akau Racing and second in a week after Fellini scored on Monday at Pukekohe.
“It was a chequered run, three deep without cover in a muddling affair, so I thought it was an impressive performance.
“Admittedly the horse in front did come to the end of it over the last 50 yards, but he showed plenty of determination and fight to get up and win.”
With the win all but assuring the son of Pierro a place in the Karaka Million at Ellerslie on January 22, Richards is contemplating whether he gives the colt another run before the $1 million feature.
“He’ll have enough money in the bank, heading into the Karaka Million,” Richards said. “We could give him a look around Ellerslie in the two-year-old race on the ninth (January), or go straight into it. We’ll be guided by how he comes through the race today.”
Lord Cosmos finished second behind Zaher when on debut at Otaki last month and Richards said he benefited from a quick break.
“I am very happy with the way he won and he’s a horse that improved with a little break in the paddock and then three weeks into his next run,” he said.
“It worked out ideally.”
Lord Cosmos was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis out of Hallmark Stud’s New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $190,000 and is the first winner for Not a Single Doubt mare Cosmic Powers, who comes from the family of stakes-winners Keep the Faith and Pistols.
He was pinhooked originally from the Newgate Consigment at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale for $140,000.